[Munch]

Granted if everyone bought on quality, life expectancy etc. they would lean more to metrics…for the time being. However the folks that are mostly HD riders are nostalgic, raw, and yes even “brand” critics.
You think the guy/gal restoring the 69 Stingray cares that it doesn’t handle like 09 B-mer? Or how about the guy/gal floating around in a Sopwith Camel instead of a Leer Jet? No … handling and so called quality is definitely not in the “why I buy ” list….for most. To be honest I plan on getting me one after the kids are out on their own. I grew up around Harley’s….drooled over them, then got over the fog of the “lifestyle” but found a renewed interest via memories and styling.
My problem is more now every company is out with an open hand saying “wheres mine?”

[Munch]

I loved mine!… though she is gone now making another person happy. She’s quick and nimble, even managed to put a “Softail” to shame on my way to work…don’t ask. I see you have a “sissy bar” lucky! I couldn’t find an affordable one for mine.
Oh well I jumped up to the 900 Classic LT it came with everything needed, one tip… if she ever starts stalling on you , especially after filling up, open the gas cap and then restart. If she doe sit continuously, get a mechanic to check the fuel lines under the seat. For a while there was a bad rash of fuel vent lines getting pinched. Id no pinched lines found get new cap and gasket. Common problem, hard to find people who remember it.

[Munch]

I was wondering… was it the industry asking for the bail out… or the last guy that got to do a scene with whatever popular….. girl is?

[Munch]

hehe fun stuff huh. I learned last summer…if it rains… wait 5 mins… not because of the road conditions….thought thats a good reason too… but harsh summer southern thunderstorms…the leading edge drops rain about the size of quarters. I’d almost rather my kids throw rocks at me.

[Munch]

So far I have not gotten found a confirmation or listing on monetary penalties….will keep looking.

[Munch]

Found some information….will post it in the “Laws” section.

[Munch]

LOL…..not the first time its come close. AMC bought em out a while back… luckily kept the badge… then the family managed to get it back.

[Munch]

actually…… I need to check for MC’s but I know for automotive…if it came factory…it had best have one on there. Which BTW is alot of the reason MC manufacturers are having to redo their whole line.

[Munch]

Anything fitted with a catalytic converter. Federal EPA law. If your not sure wether or not you have one…may want to look in your MoM.

[Munch]

Wish I could do something like this…. after warranty runs out. However the 900 is equipped with a catalytic converter of sorts and I am not willing to risk a $50k federal fine. So…. I will just have to listen to everyone elses.

[Munch]

welcome back!!

[Munch]

Man… sorry to hear that … I think… I hate that you laid it down but very happy to hear that both bike and owner are in great shape!
Man… you guys are starting to make me worry…. that makes 4 regulars now…. fingers crossed I am not the 5th.

[Munch]

Started on the Vulcan 500….now on a Vulcan 900 Classic Lt.

[Munch]

now…. if only I went to U-tube for random stuff… :^/
Good job anyways Ben!

[Munch]

Easiest question first…do I still have it… no. Mostly due to the fact that I have 2 kids that want to ride with me and the V500 is capable however suffers a lil with added weight. I have since graduated to a 900 that will be well more than enough for me for a long while.
To better explain the V500… it has the same engine as the Ninja 500. However the compression is set different and the gearing in the transmission is also different. The engine focuses more on low end torque rather then top end speed. It will get up and go but with a forgiving amount of throttle input from you. Meaning if you sneeze your not gonna end up standing in a horse riding stance whilst the bike is headed for the trees after dumping you. It gives you the low end torque for passing slower traffic with ease. Its top speed on the speedo if I remember is 110….though after about 95 mph it will take a decent stretch of flat top to get you maxed.
It is tame enough to give you a good learning curve yet has enough to keep you on it for a while, especially single seat without necessarily needing to get bigger.
I am 175 lbs and 5’10” have a 31-ish inseam…though thats hard to judge since I always wear boots and get longer legged pants. Don’t make enough to get the custom stuff done or really do anything fancy enough to justify trying. Anyway, I nearly layed it down my first week coming to a very slow stop. My driveway is a 5 foot climb in the space of about 3 feet. In addition to a 6 inch lift onto the blacktop off my gravel driveway. I have to stop to check traffic and do it on a incline, first weeks there was much to learn to do this… I made the mistake of too much front brake and fron wheel turned…. bike started to go over… now… I must say I am a mechanic so I am decently strong in my upper body… mid fall I caught and man handled her back upright. The pegs never even hit the ground.
So I guess that will also illustrate if your unfortunate and end up laying it down for one reason or another you will likely be capable of righting her if your by yourself. I got around 48-51 mpg. Scootworks.com is the only reasonably priced place to find accessories for it though for your first bike you would be more wanting to learn and get skilled rather then personalizing too much.
With your understandable caution I would definitely feel comfortable recommending it as a good and lasting first for you.

[Author]

Posts